Direct links across the Taiwan Straits have been a long time coming. AP Reported on 15 December:

“A Taiwanese jetliner departed Monday for the Chinese commercial capital of Shanghai to start a new era of direct air and shipping services with rival China, formally ending a nearly six-decade ban on regular links.

Relations have improved between the once-bitter rivals since Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou took office in May and moved to reverse the pro-independence policy of his predecessor, Chen Shui-bian.
China has reacted warmly and although the mainland still claims sovereignty over the self-governed island, both have agreed to set aside thorny political disputes to focus on trade. The two sides signed a pact last month to open up the direct links.

The first Taiwanese ships were scheduled to leave from Kaohsiung and Keelung harbors for Chinese ports about noon Monday. Mainland companies were to sail vessels to Taiwan from Shanghai and Tianjin.

Monday also marked the start of cargo flights between the two that will number up to 60 per month, according to agreements signed Nov. 4.

Daily passenger flights also were being launched, with 16 scheduled for Monday, in an expansion of weekend charter flights inaugurated in July.”

Long may it continue!

See news source:

Taiwan, China launch direct shipping links
The Associated Press
China has reacted warmly and although the mainland still claims sovereignty over the self-governed island, both have agreed to set aside thorny political …